‘Faker didn’t hold back’: League of Legends phenom could be a Muay Thai natural, says fighter
Thai-Chinese fighter Tanet ‘Jacky’ Puangngoen on meeting the South Korean e-sports legend, and how League helps him unwind amid brutal training camps
South Korean League of Legends (LoL) phenom Lee Sang-hyeok – better known as Faker – is considered the greatest player in the game. But do not let his slender figure deceive you.
Not only is the SKT T1 mid laner hyper dexterous on the keys, he has a knack for punching pads and kneeing bags, according to the Hong Kong Muay Thai fighter who held them.
“Faker left the biggest impression. He was very competitive and I could see why he’s the world No 1,” said Thai-Chinese fighter Tanet ‘Jacky’ Puangngoen (professional record 19 wins 9 losses), who featured in a video teaching Muay Thai basics to some of League’s biggest stars, including Faker, Doublelift and Bjergsen.
“When I taught him to do this or that he wouldn’t stop, even when the shooting was over,” added Puangngoen. “He was all in and didn’t hold back during the pad work. I kind of idolise him so it was a special moment to share my passion with them all.”
The e-sports starsalso received traditional customised Muay Thai shorts, with the 2016 EU LCS All-Star team (Soaz, Jankos, Xpeke and Rekkles) fashioning it in their next match. Puangngoen added he also established a friendship with Soaz, who is currently with League team Fnatic.